Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation
Changhe Z-18
The Changhe Z‑18 is a medium‑lift transport helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) of China. Its development began in the early 2010s as a modernised successor to the Z‑8, itself derived from the French Aérospatiale SA‑321 Super Frelon. The first prototype flew in 2015 and entered limited service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force in 2020, marking China’s first indigenous heavy‑lift rotorcraft with a fully indigenous avionics suite.
Key features include a composite‑filled, five‑blade main rotor, a high‑power Turbomeca Ardiden‑2G turboshaft engine (later replaced by the domestically produced WZ‑16), and a spacious fuselage capable of carrying up to 25 troops, 2,000 kg of cargo, or performing aerial‑refuel and SAR missions. Advanced glass‑cockpit displays, fly‑by‑wire flight‑control aids, and a built‑in health‑monitoring system enhance safety and reduce crew workload. The aircraft’s rear ramp and optional hoist make it versatile for amphibious, disaster‑relief, and offshore‑oil support operations.
The Z‑18’s introduction demonstrates China’s growing self‑reliance in rotary‑wing technology, narrowing the capability gap with Western platforms such as the Sikorsky CH‑53K and Airbus H‑225. Its multi‑role flexibility has positioned it as a cornerstone of China’s modern air‑mobility strategy.
Key features include a composite‑filled, five‑blade main rotor, a high‑power Turbomeca Ardiden‑2G turboshaft engine (later replaced by the domestically produced WZ‑16), and a spacious fuselage capable of carrying up to 25 troops, 2,000 kg of cargo, or performing aerial‑refuel and SAR missions. Advanced glass‑cockpit displays, fly‑by‑wire flight‑control aids, and a built‑in health‑monitoring system enhance safety and reduce crew workload. The aircraft’s rear ramp and optional hoist make it versatile for amphibious, disaster‑relief, and offshore‑oil support operations.
The Z‑18’s introduction demonstrates China’s growing self‑reliance in rotary‑wing technology, narrowing the capability gap with Western platforms such as the Sikorsky CH‑53K and Airbus H‑225. Its multi‑role flexibility has positioned it as a cornerstone of China’s modern air‑mobility strategy.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 2014
- Service Entry
- 2014
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Manufacturer
- Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation
- Military Designation
- Z-18
- Operator
-
People’s Liberation Army
- Wikidata ID
- Q18111028